Winterlands rave kicks off new semester

The crowd enjoying themselves during Stonefish’s set at Winterlands 2019. Photo by Jenna Ethridge.

California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) hosted its second annual Winterlands EDM concert on Jan. 25 in the Black Box Cabaret (BBC) in collaboration with Ottermedia, Associated Students, Otter Student Union and the Union Programming Board. The lineup consisted of student DJs such as iQ, Krome, Lex Rex and Stonefish.

The BBC was quickly occupied by CSUMB students adorned in traditional rave attire that included neon colors, flashing light fixtures and minimal clothing to combat the heat accumulating inside – despite the winter weather. The event’s jurassic theme was prominent as dinosaur cutouts and vines accompanied the stage, as well as two tyrannosaurus-rex costumes dancing among the crowd.

In attendance was first-year student, Jordynne England, who said, “Winterlands gave me the impression that CSUMB is very supportive of their students’ creativity. It’s a place for people to show off their talent, as well a place for people to have fun and enjoy themselves – there were a lot of people that were really in their element, so that was enjoyable to watch.”

Nick Gonzales – also known as headliner, Stonefish – is a third-year student with a heavy musical background. Gonzales not only DJs and produces electronic music, but is also familiar with the piano, guitar, ukulele, bass and drums. Though headliner of this year’s event, last year’s Winterlands was Gonzales’ first live performance as Stonefish.

“For me, this year’s Winterlands was just as fun, if not, way more fun than last year’s debut. We had a lot more lights thanks to the staff at the BBC which is always a plus. It was so much fun performing alongside my friends,” Gonzales said. “As far as next year’s goes, probably [expect] bigger and better! I’m sure we’ll come up with something really fun but in the meantime, I’m just so happy everyone had a good time.”